Arsenal midfielder Xhaka defends start to life at Emirates
Sports
By
Mirror
| Dec 06, 2016
Arsenal's big-money summer signing Granit Xhaka has defended his start to life at the Emirates.
The Swiss international, 24, became the club's third-most expensive signing in their history in May, when he agreed a £30million move from German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
Xhaka has so far failed to nail down a first-team spot under Arsene Wenger, starting 10 games in all competitions so far.
On Tuesday night he returns to familiar surroundings, as the Gunners meet Swiss champions Basel in the Champions League.
Wenger's men are looking to secure top spot in the group, ahead of PSG, and Xhaka is expected to start against the club with whom he began his career.
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And the playmaker says that it is normal to need a bedding in period when adapting to a new team, in a new league.
"Well, actually, it's normal when you come to a new club and country," said the Swiss.
"You need to get used to the language, the philosophy of the team, the squad, the coach.
"But I do feel very happy and comfortable here, and I know the potential I have. In football you just have to develop yourself."
Xhaka's arrival came on the back of his most successful season with Gladbach, often skippering the side as they claimed fourth spot in the Bundesliga last term.
And Gunners chief Wenger has no doubt that he will come good.
"I’m very happy with Granit’s commitment. I think he’s developing well," Wenger said.
"He hasn’t maybe started enough since the start of the season but he is adapting to a different league, a different way of playing.
"I believe he has adjusted to the intensity of the game already and the duels in the middle of the park.
"He has the stature to deal with that. He can bring a good balance between offensive efficiency and defensively as well. He has improved already all round.
"Overall I’m happy because every day he’s focused on working hard and I’m confident he’ll get his number of games."